A Fit Girl

Did you guys know that I run a lot? Well if not, then here’s a not so new newsflash, I am a runner! I started running when I was just 12 years old in middle school and haven’t stopped since. As a result, my quads and calves are big. Not huge, but muscular and I take pride in their strength. When teaching Bodypump, I rack on the weights for squats and lunges, I press over 400 lbs on the plate loaded leg press and jump around like a fool when teaching water aerobics. My legs carry me through life so I intend to keep them strong!

I may identify myself as a runner in the fitness world, but I am also a girl who loves to shop! I was shopping the other day and found a pair of pants that I adored and had to have! I grabbed my size, headed into the changing rooms, got my foot into the pant leg and it just about stopped there. I couldn’t get the THIGH of the pants past my CALF! My immediate reaction was anger, who on earth did they think could fit their legs into these skinny jeans?!

After the anger, came the insecurity. I found myself asking: “Are my legs really this big?”, “Should I go up a size? Or two?”, and the typical “Crap, Have I gained weight?” Angry and upset, I peeled the super stretchy skinny jeans off, just about ready to call it quits.

And there they were in the mirror, the same strong, muscular legs I have seen everyday for years. I flexed my muscles in the mirror (yes, I actually did!) and the pride I had for my quadzillas came surging back. They may not be ‘supermodel’ legs but they are strong and powerful. They can carry me on a run for miles!

I am not writing this blog to brag or boast about being strong. I am writing it to tell all you ladies (and gentlemen!) that even though I exercise 6 days a week and am healthy and fit, I too have insecurities and am in a constant battle to feel comfortable in my skin as well as my clothes.

Big, small, short or tall, our bodies are all made differently, but so is all clothing. It may take some time, but I think we, as a society as well as individuals, need to realize that a ‘fit’ body does not necessarily mean a ‘super skinny’ body.

To feel comfortable in our skin, we exercise, but to feel comfortable in our clothing, we need to be realistic and find what fits our bodies best. Maybe I cannot wear skinny jeans. But straight legs work for me. I even have one store where I know the jeans are a comfortable, consistent fit. That’s pretty good.